Clip for installing siding

ABSTRACT

A clip for installing panels of siding to an underlying structure is disclosed. The clip has an upper tab portion that extends downwardly to a forked neck. The upper tab portion is adapted to receive a fastener. A front portion and a rear portion extend downwardly from the forked neck. The clearance between the front portion and the rear portion is sized to receive a nail hem of the panel of siding. The rear portion includes a forwardly protruding lip, and the forward portion includes a rearwardly turned curved hook. Both the forwardly protruding lip and the rearwardly turned curved hook engage an uppermost fold in the panel of siding just below the nail hem. This configuration allows the clip of the present invention to simply and quickly snap over the top edge of the panel at any desired location along the length of the panel, and eliminates the need to install individual clips one at a time from one end or the other of the panel.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/457,064, filed 21 Mar. 2003, titled “Clip for Installing Siding.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to siding for buildings. In particular, the present invention relates to clips for installing the panels of siding.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] For many years, siding has been used in the building industry to protect exposed building materials from the elements and to provide decorative accents to buildings. This siding is typically manufactured in elongated panels that overlap or interlock each other to aid in assembly and support each other. Once the panels of siding are installed, they protect the underlying materials from the elements, and provide decorative accents to the building. Aluminum is typically the material of choice for metal siding, and polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl, is typically the material of choice for plastic siding.

[0006] These panels of siding can be manufactured in a multitude of patterns, and typically includes a grain pattern that resembles natural wood and folds or bends that resemble multiple courses of natural wood lap siding. These folds and bends are formed by folding, bending, roll forming, or forging during the manufacturing process for metallic panels, or simply extruded with the folds in place for vinyl panels. Each panel usually includes an upper nailing hem through which nails, screws, or other fasteners can be applied to fasten the panel to the underlying structure.

[0007] The panels of siding are typically installed over the underlying structure in a horizontal fashion, one course at a time beginning at the bottom of the structure and continuing upward until the structure is completely covered. Because the panels are exposed to the elements, they are subject to thermal expansion and contraction. If the panels are not free to move horizontally, undesirable bending, buckling, and warping will result. This bending, buckling, and warping can result in permanent distortion of the panel, which is cause for replacement of the panel. For this reason, the nail hem typically includes a number of spaced apart horizontal nail slots through which the fasteners can be applied. These nail slots are intended to allow the panel to be adequately secured to the underlying structure, while being able to expand and contract horizontally, provided the installer properly applies the fastener through the nail slot.

[0008] However, even with elongated nail slots, installers often fasten the panels too tightly to the underlying structure, or apply the fastener too close to one end or the other of the nail slot, preventing proper expansion and contraction of the panel. Such improper application of the fasteners can lead to undesirable bending, buckling, and warping, which can lead to permanent distortion of the panel and its ultimate replacement. This is the most common problem and consumer complaint with the installation of aluminum and vinyl siding.

[0009] To eliminate this problem, special nail clips have been developed. These nail clips are typically manufactured from small sheets of aluminum or other metal by folding, forging, or stamping. They typically have a lower hook portion that engages the uppermost fold in the panel and an upper tab portion through which the fastener is applied. With these nail clips, the fasteners can be applied through the upper tab portions of the clips, instead of the nail hem of the panel. Once the fasteners are applied through the upper tab portions, the panel is supported by the lower hook portions of the nail clips. This allows the panel to be free to expand and contract without buckling or warping. Some nail clip designs include a punched tab portion that extends behind the nail hem of the panel.

[0010] However, before these nail clips can be used, a number of them must be slid onto the panel one at a time from one end or the other and appropriately spaced apart along the length of the panel. This is a very labor intensive and time consuming process. Thus, although these nail clips represent important developments in the area of aluminum and vinyl siding installation, many shortcomings remain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] There is a need for clips for siding that can be applied to the panel without having to slide the individual clips onto the panel one at a time from one end or the other of the panel.

[0012] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide clips for installing siding that can be applied to the panel without having to slide the individual clips onto the panel one at a time from one end or the other of the panel.

[0013] This object is achieved by providing a clip having an upper tab portion that extends downwardly to a forked neck. The upper tab portion is adapted to receive the fastener. A front portion and a rear portion extend downwardly from the forked neck. The clearance between the front portion and the rear portion is sized to receive the nail hem of the siding panel. The rear portion terminates in a forwardly protruding lip, and the forward portion terminates in rearwardly turned curved hook. Both the forwardly protruding lip and the rearwardly turned curved hook engage the uppermost fold in the siding panel just below the nail hem. This configuration allows the clip of the present invention to simply and quickly snap over the top edge of the panel at any desired location along the length of the panel, and eliminates the need to install individual clips one at a time from one end or the other of the panel.

[0014] The clips of the present invention provide a number of significant advantages, including: (1) the clips do not have to be slid onto the panel one at a time from one end or the other of the panel; (2) the clips can be snapped over the top edge of panel at the desired location along the length of the panel, saving time, labor, and money; (3) the clips engage the uppermost fold of the siding panel from two opposing directions, forward and rearward, providing a more secure installation of the panel; (4) the clips do not have any folded, forged, or stamped portions, so they can be manufactured by simple extrusion and cutting processes; (5) the unique configuration of the clips allows them to be universal, in that they can be used with a wide variety of types of siding panels; and (6) in vinyl applications, the unique configuration of the clips allows them to be manufactured from the same vinyl as the panels, either from original material or from recycled regrind, leading to significant cost savings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a front view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a right side view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a left side view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a top view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the clip for vinyl siding according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Referring to the figures in the drawings, and specifically to FIG. 1, a nail clip for siding 11 according to the present invention is illustrated. Clip 11 is used in the installation of siding panels 13 to an underlying structure 17. Panel 13 can be manufactured in a multitude of patterns, and typically includes a grain pattern (not shown) that resembles natural wood and folds or bends 15 that resemble multiple courses of natural wood lap siding. It should be understood that panel 13 may be of conventional design, or may be uniquely configured to facilitate installation with clips 11 according to the present invention. Folds 15 are typically formed by folding, bending, roll forming, or forging during the manufacturing process for metallic siding, or panel 13 may simply be extruded with folds 15 in place for vinyl siding. It will be appreciated that the shape, size, number, direction, and orientation of folds 15 may vary widely from one type of panel 13 to another, and that individual panels 13 may include a plurality of different folds 15. In the preferred embodiment, panel 13 is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, referred to herein as “vinyl.”

[0023] Panel 13 includes an upper hem 19 and a lower hem 21 that are generally parallel with underlying structure 17. In the preferred embodiment, fold 15 protrudes out from underlying structure 17, and points downward, as is shown in FIG. 1. For instances when panel 13 is of conventional manufacture, upper hem serves as a nail hem, and may include a plurality of nail slots 23 through which conventional nails, screws, or other fasteners (not shown) can be applied to fasten panel 13 to underlying structure 17. In the preferred embodiment, fold 15 protrudes out away from underlying structure 17 and extends downward producing a lowermost curve A, a rear gap B, and an upper curve C. As is shown in FIG. 1, it is preferred that the creases in panel 13 formed by fold 15 are smooth and curved.

[0024] Clip 11 is configured to receive upper hem 19 of panel 13 and to engage fold 15 of panel 13, so as to support panel 13 when installed onto underlying structure 17. It will be appreciated that a plurality of clips 11 may be used to support and install each panel 13. Clip 11 includes an upper tab portion 31 that extends downwardly to a forked neck 33. Upper tab portion 31 is adapted to receive a conventional fastener, such as a nail, screw, staple, or clip (not shown). Upper tab portion 31 splits into a front portion 35 and a rear portion 37 at forked neck 33, such that front portion 35 and rear portion 37 extend in a generally downward direction from forked neck 33.

[0025] Forward portion 35 includes, preferably at its lowermost end, a rearwardly turned curved hook member 39. Rear portion 37 includes, preferably at its lowermost end, a forwardly protruding lip member 41. In the preferred embodiment, rear portion 37 is generally parallel with upper hem 19 of panel 13. Although lip member 41 is shown as a generally horizontal tab, it should be understood that lip member may be inclined or may be curved up or down, depending upon the shape of rear gap B. Hook member 39 and lip member 41 are sized, shaped, and configured to engage the uppermost fold 15 in panel 13 from opposite directions. Hook member 39 is preferably semicircular and engages fold 15 by surrounding, either partially or entirely, lowermost curve A of fold 15. Lip member 41 engages fold 15 by inserting into rear gap B formed in fold 15. In this manner, panel 13 is sandwiched between front portion 35 and rear portion 37, such that fold 15 of panel 13 is snuggly sandwiched between hook member 39 and lip member 41, allowing both hook member 39 and lip member 41 to carry and support the weight of panel 13. The engagement of clip 11 to panel 13 is secure enough to hold and support panel 13, but is loose enough to allow clip 11 to be slid longitudinally along the length of panel 13 to adjust the location of clip 11 relative to panel 13.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, forward portion 35 includes a first bend 36 and a second bend 38 to facilitate conformance to fold 15. However, it should be understood that forward portion 15 may include additional bends, or may include one or more smooth curves, depending upon the application in which clip 11 is used. The clearance D between the rear surface of front portion 35 and the forward surface of rear portion 37 is sized to receive upper hem 19 and fold 15 of panel 13. The clearance E from the interior surface of forked neck 33 to the upper interior surface of lip member 41 is sized to receive upper hem 19. The clearance F from the lower surface of lip member 41 to the upper interior surface of hook member 39 is sized to receive fold 15. It is preferred that clearances D, E, and F be as small as possible so that upper hem 19 and fold 15 are snuggly engaged by clip 11 without wasted space or material. It will be appreciated that clearances D, E, and F; and the shape, size, and configuration of forward portion 35, hook member 39, rear portion 37, and lip member 41; may vary depending upon the size, shape, and configuration of upper hem 19 and fold 15. This allows clip 11 to be used universally with a wide variety of panel types from many different panel manufacturers.

[0027] It should noted that in the preferred embodiment, hook member 39 is disposed below lip member 41. This configuration facilitates the spring action of clip 11. However, in some applications, hook member 39 may be disposed at different locations relative to lip member 41, depending upon the size, shape, and configuration of fold 15.

[0028] The configuration of forked neck 33, front portion 35, and rear portion 37 allow clip 11 to elastically spread apart and then spring back into its original shape. This spring action allows clip 11 to simply snap over the top edge of panel 13 at any selected location along the length of panel 13. The curvature of hook member 39 facilitates front portion 35 sliding over and around upper curve C of fold 15. This configuration eliminates the need to install individual clips one at a time from one end or the other of panel 13 and slide them longitudinally to the desired location.

[0029] Once installed over upper hem 19 of panel 13, clip 11 is secured to underlying structure 17 by passing at least one fastener, such as the fasteners described above, through upper portion 31 and into underlying structure 17. If only one fastener is used, it is preferred that the fastener be applied at the center of upper portion 31. Thus installed, clips 11 support and align panel 13, while allowing panel 13 to move longitudinally relative to clips 11 as needed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction and other environmental effects, without producing undesirable bending, buckling, warping, or permanent distortion of panel 13. Clip 11 is concealed by the lower receiver portion of the next installed panel.

[0030] Although clip 11 may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, it is preferred that clip 11 be manufactured from vinyl, as aluminum and other metallic materials absorb more heat and cause bubbles to form in panel 13 after installation. In addition, metallic clips are typically coated with oil or other residue that can be inadvertently transferred to panel 13 during installation. Clip 11 may be manufactured from virgin vinyl, or from excess vinyl generated during the process of manufacturing virgin vinyl panels or other vinyl products.

[0031] Excess vinyl is typically generated from notching, punching, and cutting processes. This excess vinyl is usually either disposed of or sold to be ground up for reprocessing. Ground up vinyl is commonly referred to as “regrind.” To be used again, the regrind is simply melted down, extruded in the desired cross-sectional shape, and cut to length. The unique configuration of clip 11 allows regrind to be the material of choice for nail clips for the first time. Manufacturing clip 11 from regrind represents tremendous cost savings in manufacturing, shipping, handling, and installation.

[0032] It should be understood that clip 11 can be manufactured as an integral portion of a siding panel. The material forming clip 11 is simply formed at the same time and from the same material as the panel, and then cut off and cut into individual clips 11 during final processing of the panel.

[0033] The clips of the present invention provide significant advantages, including: (1) the clips do not have to be slid onto the panel one at a time from one end or the other of the panel; (2) the clips can be snapped over the top edge of panel at the desired location along the length of the panel, saving time, labor, and money; (3) the clips engage the uppermost fold of the siding panel from two opposing directions, forward and rearward, providing a more secure installation of the panel; (4) the clips do not have any folded, forged, or stamped portions, so they can be manufactured by simple extrusion and cutting processes; (5) the unique configuration of the clips allows them to be universal, in that they can be used with a wide variety of types of siding panels; and (6) in vinyl applications, the unique configuration of the clips allows them to be manufactured from the same vinyl as the panels, either from original material or from recycled regrind, leading to significant cost savings.

[0034] It is apparent that an invention with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present invention is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

I claim:
 1. A clip for installing a panel of siding onto an underlying structure comprising: an upper tab portion; a forked neck portion located at the lower end of the upper tab portion; a front portion extending downwardly from the neck portion; a rear portion extending downwardly from the neck portion; a lip member extending forwardly from the rear portion; and a curved hook member turning rearwardly from the front portion.
 2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the upper tab portion is adapted to receive a fastener for installing the panel of siding to the underlying structure.
 3. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the lip member is configured to engage an uppermost fold in the panel of siding.
 4. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the curved hook member is configured to allow the front portion to slide over an exterior curve in the uppermost fold of the panel of siding.
 5. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the curved hook member is configured to engage an uppermost fold in the panel of siding.
 6. The clip according to claim 1, wherein both the lip member and the curved hook member are configured to engage an uppermost fold in the panel of siding.
 7. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the lip member and the curved hook are configured to snap over a top edge of the panel of siding at any location along the length of the panel of siding.
 8. The clip according to claim 7, wherein the forked neck portion, the front portion, and the rear portion elastically expand and contract as the lip member and the hook member snap over the top edge of the panel of siding.
 9. The clip according to claim 1, wherein a clearance between the front portion and the rear portion is sized to receive a nail hem of the panel of siding.
 10. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the length of the front portion is longer than the length of the rear portion.
 11. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the curved hook member is disposed lower than the lip member.
 12. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the curved hook member is configured to engage a lowermost curve on an uppermost fold in the panel of siding.
 13. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the lip member is configured to engage a gap on an uppermost fold in the panel of siding.
 14. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the clip is made from vinyl.
 15. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the vinyl is ground up reprocessed vinyl.
 16. A method of manufacturing a clip for installing a panel of siding to an underlying structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a volume of vinyl; producing a continuous strip of vinyl having at least an upper tab portion, a forked neck portion located at the lower end of the upper tab portion, a front portion extending downwardly from the neck portion, a rear portion extending downwardly from the neck portion, a lip member extending forwardly from the rear portion, and a curved hook member turning rearwardly from the front portion; and cutting the continuous strip of vinyl to produce individual clips.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the volume of vinyl is virgin vinyl.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the volume of vinyl is ground up reprocessed vinyl.
 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the process of producing the continuous strip of vinyl is an extrusion process.
 20. A method of manufacturing a clip for installing a panel of siding to an underlying structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a volume of vinyl; producing a continuous strip of vinyl having a panel portion and a clip portion; and separating the panel portion from the clip portion; and cutting the clip portion into individual clips. 